Best skills to put on a resume: 2024 Career Skills Guide

Today's job market is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Standing out from the competition has never been more challenging. It has also never been more vital. As we head towards 2024, having the right skills is the key to unlocking career doors. But what are the best skills to put on a resume? This guide covers hard and soft skills. It sheds light on industry-specific skills that are in demand. It explains how to show these on your resume including examples of skills to put on a resume.

Introduction

Choosing great skills to put on a resume for your career is more than a smart move. It's an investment in your future. In the mix of professionals vying for top positions, a unique set of skills sets one candidate apart. Whether you're starting your career or seeking a big jump. Understanding the difference between hard and soft skills is key. They greatly tip the scales in your favour on your resume. Read more about skills.

Hard vs. Soft Skills

At first glance, 'hard' and 'soft' skills seem opposite. But, both are equally vital for career growth.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are teachable. You can measure them. They are often gained through formal education, training, or hands-on experience. These skills are job-specific and vital for completing tasks efficiently. These include: coding in Python. Data analysis using SQL. Fluency in foreign languages. And graphic design with Adobe Photoshop. All are examples of hard skills.

Soft Skills

In contrast, soft skills are more subjective. They relate to how you work and interact with others. They include traits like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamworking capabilities. These skills are intangible. But, they are crucial for a peaceful work environment. They are also crucial for taking on leadership roles.

Industry-Specific Skills Overview

Let's look deeper into the hard skills needed for key roles in many industries. These are the best skills to put on a resume for jobs in 2024.

Accounting & Finance

• Financial Analyst:

  Financial Analysts need a mix of analytical and technical skills. These include advanced financial modeling and data analysis. They use these skills to assess financial performance and make investment decisions.

  Ai Resume for Financial Analyst
  • Advanced financial modeling in MS Excel
  • Financial valuation skills in renewable energy infrastructure project finance and growth equity
  • Data analysis
  • Data management
  • Data visualization
  • Financial analysis
  • Project finance modeling and analysis
  • Accounting treatment
  • Tax knowledge
  • Microsoft PowerPoint proficiency
  • Microsoft Word proficiency
  • Deal documentation preparation

• Tax Advisor:

  Tax Advisors must know a lot about tax compliance, strategic planning, and international tax laws. They need this knowledge to provide accurate tax advice and planning services.

  Ai Resume for Tax Advisor
  • Tax Compliance
  • Strategic Tax Planning
  • International Tax Laws
  • Tax Risk Management
  • Sales and Use Tax Returns
  • Income Tax Returns
  • Federal, State, and Local Tax Laws
  • Tax Calendar Management
  • Financial Audit
  • CPA Certification
  • Excel Skills
  • Financial Modeling

• Budget Analyst:

  Budget Analysts need strong financial and analytical skills. They use them to develop, analyze, and execute budgets. This ensures the organization's financial stability.

  Ai Resume for Budget Analyst
  • Financial management
  • Budgeting
  • Project control
  • Financial reporting
  • Contract administration
  • Analysis of variances
  • Project tracking
  • CDRL preparation
  • Accounts receivable reconciliation
  • Invoice approval
  • Financial progress reporting
  • Facility credentials maintenance

Construction

• Civil Engineer:

  Civil Engineers need to be skilled in AutoCAD, structural engineering, and project management. They use these skills to design, develop, and oversee construction projects.

  • AutoCAD proficiency
  • BIM expertise
  • Hydraulic modeling
  • Soil mechanics analysis
  • Structural engineering
  • Transportation planning
  • Water resource management
  • Green building techniques
  • Construction project management
  • Building codes compliance
  • Infrastructure development
  • GIS applications

• Construction Manager:

  Construction Managers need many skills. They need to schedule projects, estimate costs, and ensure safety. They do this to oversee sites and complete projects well.

  • Project scheduling and management
  • Cost estimation and budgeting
  • Quality control and safety compliance
  • Construction software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam)
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • Contract negotiation and management
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Site operations and logistics planning
  • Regulatory and building code adherence
  • Green construction practices
  • Team leadership and personnel management
  • Client relations and communication

Information Technology (IT)

• Cybersecurity Specialist:

  Cybersecurity Specialists need expertise in network security. They also need it in threat intelligence and incident response. They use this expertise to protect organizations from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

  • Network security
  • Threat intelligence
  • Firewall management
  • SIEM tools
  • Incident response
  • Penetration testing
  • Data encryption
  • Cloud security
  • Risk management
  • Access control
  • Endpoint security
  • NIST, ISO/IEC 27001

• Software Developer:

  Developers must know programming well. They also need to know the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and cloud platforms. They need these skills to make and keep software.

  • Programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++)
  • Software development lifecycle (SDLC)
  • Database management
  • API design and integration
  • Version control (e.g., Git)
  • Debugging and troubleshooting
  • Web development frameworks
  • Mobile application development
  • Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure)
  • Containerization (e.g., Docker)
  • Agile and Scrum methodologies
  • Unit testing and TDD

• Software Engineer:

  Software Engineers need advanced skills. They need these skills in optimizing algorithms, designing systems, and using cloud services. They need these skills to build complex software systems and solutions.

  • Algorithm optimization
  • OOP (Java, C#)
  • System design
  • Front-end (JavaScript, React)
  • Back-end (Node.js, Python)
  • Database management (SQL)
  • Cloud services (AWS, Azure)
  • DevOps (CI/CD)
  • API development
  • Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Agile methodologies

• Frontend Engineer:

  Frontend Engineers should excel in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design. They use these skills to create engaging, user-friendly web interfaces.

  • HTML/CSS
  • JavaScript (ES6+)
  • Framework proficiency (React, Angular, Vue)
  • Responsive design
  • CSS pre-processing (Sass, LESS)
  • Version control (Git)
  • Testing frameworks (Jest, Mocha)
  • Browser DevTools
  • Webpack, Gulp, or Grunt
  • RESTful services/APIs
  • Performance optimization
  • Accessibility (a11y) standards

Medicine, Healthcare & Wellbeing

• Nurse:

  Nurses need a broad skill set. They need to care for patients, give medication, and respond to emergencies. They do this to provide high-quality healthcare in various settings.

  • Patient assessment
  • Wound care
  • Medication administration
  • IV therapy
  • Emergency care
  • Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
  • Life support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Infection control
  • Medical equipment usage
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Case management
  • Patient education

• Medical Technician:

  Medical Technicians need special skills. They need to do lab testing, collect specimens, and use medical equipment. They do this to support diagnosis and treatment.

  • Lab testing and analysis
  • Specimen collection
  • Medical equipment operation
  • Clinical data interpretation
  • Quality control procedures
  • Infection control standards
  • Phlebotomy
  • Imaging techniques
  • Electronic Health Records (EHR)
  • Chemistry and hematology
  • Pathology
  • Biomedical technology

Engineering & Scientific

• Chemical Engineer:

  Chemical Engineers must be experts in process design and chemical analysis. They must also know safety management. They use these skills to develop and improve chemical processes and products.

  • Process design
  • Chemical analysis
  • Thermodynamics
  • Simulation software
  • Quality control
  • Safety management
  • Project management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Research and development
  • Material science
  • Fluid dynamics
  • Waste treatment

• Environmental Scientist:

  Environmental Scientists need skills in data analysis, GIS, and impact assessment. They use these skills to study and manage environmental health and sustainability.

  • Data analysis
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Sampling and data collection
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Waste management
  • Water quality testing
  • Soil analysis
  • Conservation strategies
  • Climate change research
  • Sustainability planning
  • Ecological modeling

• Industrial Engineer:

  Industrial Engineers should have skills in lean manufacturing. They should also have skills in process optimization and supply chain management. These skills let them improve industrial processes and increase efficiency.

  • Lean manufacturing
  • Process optimization
  • Supply chain management
  • Quality control
  • Project management
  • Cost analysis
  • Ergonomics
  • Facility layout design
  • Inventory management
  • Six Sigma
  • Root cause analysis
  • Production planning

Marketing & Sales

• Marketing Manager:

  Marketing Managers need many skills. They need skills in market research, digital marketing, and brand management. They use these skills to make and use good marketing strategies.

  • Market research
  • Brand management
  • Content marketing
  • SEO and SEM
  • Marketing automation
  • Social media marketing
  • Email marketing
  • Public relations
  • Event planning
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Budget management

• Sales Representative:

  Sales Representatives need strong abilities in managing client relationships. They also need skills in negotiation and prospecting. These skills help them drive sales and hit revenue targets.

  • Prospecting and lead generation
  • Client relationship management
  • Product knowledge
  • Negotiation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Time management
  • CRM software proficiency
  • Market research
  • Goal setting and achievement
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Problem-solving
  • Forecasting and pipeline management

Education & Training

• Teacher:

  Teachers must be skilled at making a curriculum. They must also manage a classroom and assess students. They need these skills to educate and inspire well.

  • Curriculum development
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Student assessment
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Special education
  • Technology integration
  • Professional development
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership

• Training Specialist:

  Training Specialists need expertise in instructional design. They also need to know adult learning theory and how to develop training programs. This knowledge lets them create and deliver effective training.

  • Training program development
  • Instructional design
  • Learning management systems (LMS)
  • Needs assessment
  • Adult learning theory
  • Training evaluation
  • Technical training
  • On-the-job training
  • Virtual training
  • Communication skills
  • Project management
  • Problem-solving

Human Resources

• HR Manager:

  HR Managers need skills in employee relations, performance management, and recruitment. They need to oversee and improve HR functions in an organisation.

  • Recruitment and selection
  • Employee relations
  • Performance management
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Training and development
  • HRIS software proficiency
  • Legal compliance
  • Conflict resolution
  • Organizational development
  • Change management
  • Strategic planning
  • Communication skills

• Recruiter:

  Recruiters should be skilled in hiring tactics. They need to know recruitment strategies, interviewing techniques, and applicant tracking systems. These help them attract and hire top talent well.

  • Recruitment strategies
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
  • Employment law
  • Onboarding
  • Networking
  • Employer branding
  • Job analysis
  • Compensation negotiation
  • Market research
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving

Legal

• Lawyer:

  Lawyers need to excel in legal research, case prep, and client representation. They do this to give legal advice. They represent clients in court and settle legal disputes.

  • Legal research
  • Case preparation
  • Client representation
  • Contract drafting
  • Litigation
  • Legal writing
  • Negotiation
  • Mediation
  • Legal analysis
  • Trial advocacy
  • Legal technology
  • Ethics and professionalism

• Paralegal:

  Paralegals need skills in legal research. They also need them for document prep and case management. They use these skills to help lawyers and legal proceedings.

  • Legal research
  • Document preparation
  • Case management
  • Client communication
  • Discovery
  • Legal writing
  • Database management
  • Court filing
  • Legal technology
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Ethics and professionalism

Arts & Design

• Graphic Designer:

  Graphic Designers must be creative. They must also be skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and layout design. They need these skills to create compelling designs.

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Typography
  • Color theory
  • Layout design
  • Print and digital media
  • Photo editing
  • Illustration
  • Branding
  • Web design
  • User experience (UX) design
  • Project management
  • Communication skills

• Interior Designer:

  Interior Designers need skills in space planning. They need to pick materials. They also need to manage projects to design pretty and functional interior spaces.

  • AutoCAD
  • SketchUp
  • Revit
  • Space planning
  • Color theory
  • Lighting design
  • Material selection
  • Building codes
  • Project management
  • Client communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management

Customer Service

• Customer Service Representative:

  Customer Service Representatives should have excellent communication, problem-solving, and empathy skills to provide outstanding service and support to customers.

  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Conflict resolution
  • Product knowledge
  • Time management
  • Computer skills
  • Active listening
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Multi-tasking
  • Teamwork

• Call Center Agent:

  Call Center Agents require strong communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills to handle customer inquiries and issues effectively.

  • Phone etiquette
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Product knowledge
  • Computer skills
  • Active listening
  • Time management
  • Multi-tasking
  • Empathy
  • Teamwork
  • Sales skills

Administration & Office Support

• Administrative Assistant:

  Administrative Assistants need to be adept in office software, calendar management, and data entry to support office operations and administrative tasks.

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Calendar management
  • Travel arrangements
  • Meeting coordination
  • Customer service
  • Data entry
  • File management
  • Office equipment operation
  • Communication skills
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Organizational skills

• Office Manager:

  Office Managers should have a blend of leadership, project management, and financial management skills to oversee office functions and ensure organizational efficiency.

  • Leadership
  • Team management
  • Project management
  • Customer service
  • Financial management
  • Vendor management
  • Office operations
  • Facilities management
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Organizational skills

Manufacturing & Production

• Production Worker:

  Production Workers need skills in machine operation, quality control, and inventory management to contribute to manufacturing processes and production efficiency.

  • Machine operation
  • Quality control
  • Assembly line work
  • Inventory management
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Physical stamina
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Adaptability

• Manufacturing Engineer:

  Manufacturing Engineers must have expertise in lean manufacturing, process optimization, and quality control to improve manufacturing processes and product quality.

  • Lean manufacturing
  • Process optimization
  • Quality control
  • Project management
  • Cost analysis
  • Ergonomics
  • Facility layout design
  • Inventory management
  • Six Sigma
  • Root cause analysis
  • Production planning
  • Communication skills

Transportation & Logistics

• Truck Driver:

  Truck Drivers require skills in route planning, vehicle maintenance, and safety compliance to transport goods efficiently and safely across distances.

  • Commercial driver's license (CDL)
  • Route planning
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Time management
  • Customer service
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina
  • Adaptability
  • Safety compliance
  • Map reading

• Logistics Coordinator:

  Logistics Coordinators need to be skilled in supply chain management, inventory control, and transportation planning to ensure efficient logistics operations.

  • Supply chain management
  • Inventory control
  • Warehouse operations
  • Transportation planning
  • Customer service
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Computer skills

How to Include Hard Skills on Your Resume

Adding hard skills to your resume is better strategy. It's better than just listing all you know. Here's a tailored approach:

1. Select Relevant Skills: Review the job posting to identify demanded skills. Feature these prominently in your skill section, customising your resume for each application.

2. Quantify Skills: Whenever possible, combine skills with achievements that quantify your proficiency. For example, "I installed a data analysis tool. It cut report generation time by 50%.""

3. Showcase Certifications. If you’ve earned certifications in hard skills, include them in a separate section. It provides objective validation of your abilities.

4. Highlight in Experience & Achievements: Embed hard skills in your work experience. Show how you used them and how they were helpful.

Conclusion

Adapting and continually enriching your skill set is paramount for career progression. You must know the demand for specific hard skills in your industry. But, you must also communicate these skills well. Doing so can greatly advance your career. Remember, hard and soft skills together paint a full picture of your abilities. They make you an ideal candidate for any job. Stay informed. Invest in lifelong learning. This will give your resume the edge it needs to stand out in 2024 and beyond.

Create Your Resume with EchoTalent

Ready to showcase your skills? Let EchoTalent help. Our AI-driven platform tailors your resume to fit the job description or industry you want. EchoTalent ensures your resume meets employer expectations. It does this by finding the right skills and making sure your resume has them. Start crafting your resume with EchoTalent today and step into your next job opportunity with confidence.